“Yes, I have, Maxie; you’re a thousand times better than I am,” sighed Lulu, nestling closer in her father’s embrace; “I get dreadfully discouraged with myself sometimes, and I do believe I’d give up trying to be good if I didn’t know that papa loves me in spite of my badness.”
“Papa does indeed, dear child!” the captain said in tender tones. “And he knows by experience how hard a fight it takes to rule a fiery temper.”
“And perhaps there are other folks beside papa that care a little bit for you, Lu,” said Max with an arch look and smile. “But say now, shall you or I play Madam Cecil’s part?”
“You can if you want to,” she said, adding laughingly, quite restored to good humor and cheerfulness, “I do believe you can be stubborn, too, if you choose.”
“I hope so,” said their father; “a strong will is a very good thing if used aright. It would grieve me to think my boy lacked firmness and decision of character, for they will often be needed to keep him from yielding to temptation to step aside from the paths of rectitude.”
A great variety of amusements had been provided, and all seemed to find the day pass quickly and pleasantly.
On leaving the tea-table every one repaired, by invitation, to the large parlor adjoining the conservatory, and many were the exclamations of delight as they caught a glimpse of the interior of the latter.
Rare and beautiful plants and shrubs were massed on each side of the central alley, their branches hung with myriads of tiny colored lamps, and other glittering objects, including the fairies made by the ladies and Lulu; and at the farther end could be seen the magic cave, also hung with fairy lamps and jewels, in the midst the Peri arrayed in a rich oriental costume, and with her attendant genii, one on each side, while two turbaned figures stood guard in front of the glass doors opening from the parlor, and soft strains of sweet music issuing from some unseen quarter lent an added charm to the witchery of the scene.
“Can we go in? oh can we go in?” asked a chorus of eager young voices.
“Yes; one or two at a time,” answered the captain, opening the door, and motioning to Maud Dinsmore, who happened to stand nearest, to pass in.